{"id":1878202,"date":"2026-04-11T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1878202"},"modified":"2026-04-11T08:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T05:00:00","slug":"all-of-italys-motogp-world-champions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1878202","title":{"rendered":"All of Italy\u2019s MotoGP world champions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-08\/gng_205541_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>All of Italy\u2019s MotoGP world champions<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>The 2026 MotoGP season could see Italy celebrate its eighth premier class world champion since 1949<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Duncan <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-11T09:00:00+01:00\">11 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-08\/gng_205541_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-08\/gng_205541_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-08\/gng_205541_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-08\/gng_205541_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-08\/gng_205541_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-08\/gng_205541_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-08\/gng_205541_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-08\/gng_205541_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-08\/gng_205541_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Valentino Rossi, MotoGP 2008<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Italy is a country synonymous with MotoGP, with seven riders winning the premier class world title since its inception in 1949.<\/p>\n<p>The modern MotoGP World Championship, as we know it today, began in 1949 at the Isle of Man TT, which ran as the British Grand Prix until 1976.<\/p>\n<p>The first two decades of grand prix world championship racing saw Italian brands Gilera and MV Agusta dominate, while Giacomo Agostini carved himself into the history books as an eight-time MotoGP title winner.<\/p>\n<p>However, only three riders in MotoGP history from Italy have won back-to-back titles: Agostini, Valentino Rossi and Pecco Bagnaia.<\/p>\n<p>Rossi is perhaps the most iconic of Italy\u2019s world champions, with the flamboyant Italian growing MotoGP\u2019s popularity through the 2000s and elevating himself as the greatest of all time for so many.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Since 1949, seven Italian riders have won a premier class world title, with only the United States matching this tally.<\/p>\n<p>In 2026, Aprilia\u2019s Marco Bezzecchi will be gunning to be the eighth, as well as the first since Agostini to do so for an Italian manufacturer.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6ceff0a16c9f2c31f901cca142e6a63087698d77dad5a9c41f802219f23fc204\">  Acosta could \u201crejuvenate\u201d Marc Marquez like Rossi vs Lorenzo   Ducati takes inspiration from rivals in rear aero battle <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Below is the full list of riders Bezzecchi hopes to emulate this season.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Umberto Masetti &#8211; 1950 and 1952<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Gilera<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s first MotoGP world title came in the second year of the world championship in 1950 courtesy of Umberto Masetti.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-80b418090def85e83528fc64caf6059784b19bad1d19be7f27288c0a13b6c2d3\">  The biggest winners and losers from MotoGP 2026&#8217;s first three rounds   Martin, Bagnaia in-car MotoGP chat: Ducati \u201clost something\u201d, Aprilia \u201cimproved braking\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>From Borgo delle Rose, in the province of Parma, Masetti won twice in 1950 to claim a first premier class title, doing so for Gilera. In 1952, a further two victories &#8211; again in Belgium and the Netherlands &#8211; helped him to a second MotoGP crown.<\/p>\n<p>Masetti continued racing through to 1958, switching to MV Agusta in 1955, finishing third in the standings that year after winning the Nations Grand Prix at Monza.<\/p>\n<p>He claimed a final podium at the 1958 Nations Grand Prix before retiring from racing.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Libero Liberati &#8211; 1957<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Gilera<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s second MotoGP championship winner was crowned in 1957, when the Terni-born Libero Liberati took a Gilera to title success.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Winning the Italian championship in 1948, Liberati scored a first MotoGP podium in 1953 with Gilera at the Nations Grand Prix in third. A second-place followed in 1955 in France.<\/p>\n<p>In 1957, racing for Gilera in the 350cc and 500cc categories, Liberati had a banner year. He finished runner-up in the 350cc standings, while four wins in the 500cc class netted him the championship.<\/p>\n<p>Liberati was tragically killed in an incident in 1962, aged 35.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Giacomo Agostini, MV Agusta, 1973<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Giacomo Agostini &#8211; 1966-1972, 1975<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>MV Agusta, Yamaha<\/strong><\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Perhaps the most famous name on this list, save for one other, Giacomo Agostini is a bona fide MotoGP legend.<\/p>\n<p>Making his debut in grand prix racing in 1963, it would be the switch to MV Agusta from 1965 that would set Agostini on his path to MotoGP greatness.<\/p>\n<p>His first world title came in 1966 in the MotoGP class, with Agostini &#8211; in an era where MV Agusta had little competition &#8211; utterly peerless between 1968 and 1970, winning every race he entered in the 350cc and 500cc classes.<\/p>\n<p>He scored MotoGP titles in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972 consecutively, as well as 350cc titles from 1968 to 1974.<\/p>\n<p>In 1974, he moved from MV Agusta to Yamaha, winning the 350cc title that year, while a final MotoGP crown came in 1975 with the Japanese brand. That marked the first title success for a two-stroke bike in the premier class, Yamaha\u2019s first and the first for a Japanese brand in the top class.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>In total, Agostini won 15 world titles across the 350cc and 500cc classes, while his tally of eight MotoGP championships remains unbeaten as of the end of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marco Lucchinelli, Suzuki, 1981<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Marco Lucchinelli &#8211; 1981<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Suzuki<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The era of Italian manufacturer dominance in MotoGP had well and truly ended by the 1981 season, with Yamaha and Suzuki emerging as the best machinery in the previous years. But Italian riders remained frontrunners.<\/p>\n<p>Italy put a brief pause on the growing US-born rider threat in 1981, following back-to-back titles for Kenny Roberts and Yamaha between 1978 and 1980.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Marco Lucchinelli made his grand prix debut in 1975, joining Suzuki in the premier class in 1976. A first win came in 1980 in Germany, acting as a precursor to his best MotoGP season in 1981.<\/p>\n<p>Remaining with Suzuki, Lucchinelli won five times to claim the world title over fellow Suzuki rider Randy Mamola. Lucchinelli\u2019s career tailed off in 1982 after moving to Honda, with the Italian scoring just two more podiums in two years with HRC, before making an unsuccessful switch to Cagiva between 1984 and 1986.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Franco Uncini, Suzuki, 1982<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Franco Uncini &#8211; 1982<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Suzuki<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A year on from celebrating its first world champion since Agostini in 1975, Italy welcomed another in 1982.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Franco Uncini enjoyed strong results as a privateer in the late 1970s into the 1980s, before Suzuki offered him a factory-spec bike for the 1982 campaign, replacing 1981 world champion Lucchinelli.<\/p>\n<p>Uncini\u2019s path to the world title followed a similar pattern to Lucchinelli\u2019s, with the Italian winning five times on his way to the crown. This would prove to be the height of Uncini\u2019s career.<\/p>\n<p>He suffered a serious incident at the Dutch TT in 1983 and ultimately retired at the end of the 1985 campaign. He later joined the FIM in prominent roles, including safety officer.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Valentino Rossi, Suzuka 2002<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Valentino Rossi &#8211; 2001-2005, 2008-2009<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Honda, Yamaha<\/strong><\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Uncini\u2019s world championship in 1982 would be the last for an Italian rider until 2001. Valentino Rossi had blazed a trail through the 125cc and 250cc ranks, winning the title in 1997 and 1999, before stepping up to MotoGP in 2000 with Honda.<\/p>\n<p>Winning in his debut season, Rossi\u2019s reign of dominance began in 2001 when he won his first MotoGP title. As MotoGP shifted into its four-stroke era in 2002, Rossi and Honda dominated the following two campaigns.<\/p>\n<p>Growing unhappy with life at Honda, Rossi made a shock move to Yamaha for 2004, who hadn\u2019t won a title since 1992. He duly dominated on the YZR-M1 that year, and did so again in 2005 to secure a fifth premier class title.<\/p>\n<p>He suffered a narrow defeat to Nicky Hayden in 2006, while Casey Stoner and Ducati dominated in 2007. However, facing growing competition from younger riders, Rossi bounced back in 2008 to win a sixth world title, before claiming a seventh in 2009.<\/p>\n<p>Only Agostini has more world titles in MotoGP than Rossi, while Spain\u2019s Marc Marquez matched Rossi\u2019s tally of seven only in 2025.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Rossi continued racing until the end of the 2021 season before making a full-time switch to car racing.<\/p>\n<p>Serving stints with Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and then Yamaha again, Rossi won 89 times in MotoGP, scored 199 points and elevated MotoGP to a new position of popularity through much of the 21st Century.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Pecco Bagnaia, Ducati Corse, 2025 Czech MotoGP<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Pecco Bagnaia &#8211; 2022-2023<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Ducati<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s declining form in grand prix racing following Rossi\u2019s final MotoGP title in 2009 led to him forming the VR46 Riders Academy in 2014 to nurture young talent from his homeland.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Pecco Bagnaia represents that programme&#8217;s most successful graduate. Racing for Rossi\u2019s team in Moto2 in 2018, Bagnaia won the intermediate class crown before stepping up to MotoGP in 2019 with the Ducati-backed Pramac squad.<\/p>\n<p>Bagnaia would win for the first time in 2021 following a move to Ducati\u2019s factory team, before claiming his first world title &#8211; and ending Ducati\u2019s drought dating back to 2007 &#8211; in 2022. He won a second MotoGP crown in 2023, again for Ducati.<\/p>\n<p>It marked Italy\u2019s first back-to-back MotoGP title since Rossi in 2008 and 2009, while the first for an Italian rider on Italian machinery since Agostini.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Valentino Rossi<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Francesco Bagnaia<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Aprilia duo \u201cso smart\u201d as team braces for MotoGP title fight tension<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Quartararo praises Toprak Razgatlioglu\u2019s COTA performance: \u201cLike Superbike\u201d<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304223_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304223_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304223_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304223_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304223_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304223_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304223_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304223_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304223_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-ec0ff8b3cd00df9c0ef177d0258518b87ff94a54af3db2973659834e6c28cd61\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/unnamed%20%2826%29.jpg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Duncan<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">Head of Editorial<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<div>Lewis joined the Crash.net team in August of 2024 having been a journalist for five years covering MotoGP for the Motorsport Network. In February of 2026, he became Head of Editorial.\u00a0<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-fed05a9391c5729f043fd3d979af343e461343982670787f407cc3f73ea011e1\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Gigi Dall\u2019Igna labels Ducati\u2019s US MotoGP a \u201cwake-up call\u201d after \u201clacklustre\u201d race<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775034035\"> 01\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303175_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marc Marquez, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Pecco Bagnaia fears Aprilia &#8220;quite far ahead&#8221; after &#8220;nightmare&#8221; US MotoGP<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774886195\"> 30\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1303989_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Francesco Bagnaia,2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>COTA: New 2026 MotoGP World Championship standings<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774818273\"> 29\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1303214_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Race Report <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Marco Bezzecchi continues perfect start to 2026 with dominant US MotoGP display<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774817429\"> 29\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1303214_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Results <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>2026 US MotoGP, COTA &#8211; Race Results<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774817133\"> 29\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1303843_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, Acosta, Martin, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Race Report <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>2026 US MotoGP Warm-up: Marco Bezzecchi on top as Pedro Acosta crashes<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774800192\"> 29\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1303181_hires_1.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, Alex Marquez, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>The 2026 MotoGP season could see Italy celebrate its eighth premier class world champion since 1949<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Italy is a country synonymous with MotoGP, with seven riders winning the premier class world title since its inception in 1949.<\/p>\n<p>The modern MotoGP World Championship, as we know it today, began in 1949 at the Isle of Man TT, which ran as the British Grand Prix until 1976.<\/p>\n<p>The first two decades of grand prix world championship racing saw Italian brands Gilera and MV Agusta dominate, while Giacomo Agostini carved himself into the history books as an eight-time MotoGP title winner.<\/p>\n<p>However, only three riders in MotoGP history from Italy have won back-to-back titles: Agostini, Valentino Rossi and Pecco Bagnaia.<\/p>\n<p>Rossi is perhaps the most iconic of Italy\u2019s world champions, with the flamboyant Italian growing MotoGP\u2019s popularity through the 2000s and elevating himself as the greatest of all time for so many.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Since 1949, seven Italian riders have won a premier class world title, with only the United States matching this tally.<\/p>\n<p>In 2026, Aprilia\u2019s Marco Bezzecchi will be gunning to be the eighth, as well as the first since Agostini to do so for an Italian manufacturer.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6ceff0a16c9f2c31f901cca142e6a63087698d77dad5a9c41f802219f23fc204\">  Acosta could \u201crejuvenate\u201d Marc Marquez like Rossi vs Lorenzo   Ducati takes inspiration from rivals in rear aero battle <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Below is the full list of riders Bezzecchi hopes to emulate this season.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Umberto Masetti &#8211; 1950 and 1952<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Gilera<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s first MotoGP world title came in the second year of the world championship in 1950 courtesy of Umberto Masetti.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-80b418090def85e83528fc64caf6059784b19bad1d19be7f27288c0a13b6c2d3\">  The biggest winners and losers from MotoGP 2026&#8217;s first three rounds   Martin, Bagnaia in-car MotoGP chat: Ducati \u201clost something\u201d, Aprilia \u201cimproved braking\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>From Borgo delle Rose, in the province of Parma, Masetti won twice in 1950 to claim a first premier class title, doing so for Gilera. In 1952, a further two victories &#8211; again in Belgium and the Netherlands &#8211; helped him to a second MotoGP crown.<\/p>\n<p>Masetti continued racing through to 1958, switching to MV Agusta in 1955, finishing third in the standings that year after winning the Nations Grand Prix at Monza.<\/p>\n<p>He claimed a final podium at the 1958 Nations Grand Prix before retiring from racing.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Libero Liberati &#8211; 1957<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Gilera<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s second MotoGP championship winner was crowned in 1957, when the Terni-born Libero Liberati took a Gilera to title success.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Winning the Italian championship in 1948, Liberati scored a first MotoGP podium in 1953 with Gilera at the Nations Grand Prix in third. A second-place followed in 1955 in France.<\/p>\n<p>In 1957, racing for Gilera in the 350cc and 500cc categories, Liberati had a banner year. He finished runner-up in the 350cc standings, while four wins in the 500cc class netted him the championship.<\/p>\n<p>Liberati was tragically killed in an incident in 1962, aged 35.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Giacomo Agostini, MV Agusta, 1973<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Giacomo Agostini &#8211; 1966-1972, 1975<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>MV Agusta, Yamaha<\/strong><\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Perhaps the most famous name on this list, save for one other, Giacomo Agostini is a bona fide MotoGP legend.<\/p>\n<p>Making his debut in grand prix racing in 1963, it would be the switch to MV Agusta from 1965 that would set Agostini on his path to MotoGP greatness.<\/p>\n<p>His first world title came in 1966 in the MotoGP class, with Agostini &#8211; in an era where MV Agusta had little competition &#8211; utterly peerless between 1968 and 1970, winning every race he entered in the 350cc and 500cc classes.<\/p>\n<p>He scored MotoGP titles in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972 consecutively, as well as 350cc titles from 1968 to 1974.<\/p>\n<p>In 1974, he moved from MV Agusta to Yamaha, winning the 350cc title that year, while a final MotoGP crown came in 1975 with the Japanese brand. That marked the first title success for a two-stroke bike in the premier class, Yamaha\u2019s first and the first for a Japanese brand in the top class.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>In total, Agostini won 15 world titles across the 350cc and 500cc classes, while his tally of eight MotoGP championships remains unbeaten as of the end of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marco Lucchinelli, Suzuki, 1981<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Marco Lucchinelli &#8211; 1981<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Suzuki<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The era of Italian manufacturer dominance in MotoGP had well and truly ended by the 1981 season, with Yamaha and Suzuki emerging as the best machinery in the previous years. But Italian riders remained frontrunners.<\/p>\n<p>Italy put a brief pause on the growing US-born rider threat in 1981, following back-to-back titles for Kenny Roberts and Yamaha between 1978 and 1980.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Marco Lucchinelli made his grand prix debut in 1975, joining Suzuki in the premier class in 1976. A first win came in 1980 in Germany, acting as a precursor to his best MotoGP season in 1981.<\/p>\n<p>Remaining with Suzuki, Lucchinelli won five times to claim the world title over fellow Suzuki rider Randy Mamola. Lucchinelli\u2019s career tailed off in 1982 after moving to Honda, with the Italian scoring just two more podiums in two years with HRC, before making an unsuccessful switch to Cagiva between 1984 and 1986.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Franco Uncini, Suzuki, 1982<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Franco Uncini &#8211; 1982<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Suzuki<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A year on from celebrating its first world champion since Agostini in 1975, Italy welcomed another in 1982.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Franco Uncini enjoyed strong results as a privateer in the late 1970s into the 1980s, before Suzuki offered him a factory-spec bike for the 1982 campaign, replacing 1981 world champion Lucchinelli.<\/p>\n<p>Uncini\u2019s path to the world title followed a similar pattern to Lucchinelli\u2019s, with the Italian winning five times on his way to the crown. This would prove to be the height of Uncini\u2019s career.<\/p>\n<p>He suffered a serious incident at the Dutch TT in 1983 and ultimately retired at the end of the 1985 campaign. He later joined the FIM in prominent roles, including safety officer.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Valentino Rossi, Suzuka 2002<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Valentino Rossi &#8211; 2001-2005, 2008-2009<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Honda, Yamaha<\/strong><\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Uncini\u2019s world championship in 1982 would be the last for an Italian rider until 2001. Valentino Rossi had blazed a trail through the 125cc and 250cc ranks, winning the title in 1997 and 1999, before stepping up to MotoGP in 2000 with Honda.<\/p>\n<p>Winning in his debut season, Rossi\u2019s reign of dominance began in 2001 when he won his first MotoGP title. As MotoGP shifted into its four-stroke era in 2002, Rossi and Honda dominated the following two campaigns.<\/p>\n<p>Growing unhappy with life at Honda, Rossi made a shock move to Yamaha for 2004, who hadn\u2019t won a title since 1992. He duly dominated on the YZR-M1 that year, and did so again in 2005 to secure a fifth premier class title.<\/p>\n<p>He suffered a narrow defeat to Nicky Hayden in 2006, while Casey Stoner and Ducati dominated in 2007. However, facing growing competition from younger riders, Rossi bounced back in 2008 to win a sixth world title, before claiming a seventh in 2009.<\/p>\n<p>Only Agostini has more world titles in MotoGP than Rossi, while Spain\u2019s Marc Marquez matched Rossi\u2019s tally of seven only in 2025.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Rossi continued racing until the end of the 2021 season before making a full-time switch to car racing.<\/p>\n<p>Serving stints with Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and then Yamaha again, Rossi won 89 times in MotoGP, scored 199 points and elevated MotoGP to a new position of popularity through much of the 21st Century.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Pecco Bagnaia, Ducati Corse, 2025 Czech MotoGP<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Pecco Bagnaia &#8211; 2022-2023<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Ducati<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s declining form in grand prix racing following Rossi\u2019s final MotoGP title in 2009 led to him forming the VR46 Riders Academy in 2014 to nurture young talent from his homeland.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Pecco Bagnaia represents that programme&#8217;s most successful graduate. Racing for Rossi\u2019s team in Moto2 in 2018, Bagnaia won the intermediate class crown before stepping up to MotoGP in 2019 with the Ducati-backed Pramac squad.<\/p>\n<p>Bagnaia would win for the first time in 2021 following a move to Ducati\u2019s factory team, before claiming his first world title &#8211; and ending Ducati\u2019s drought dating back to 2007 &#8211; in 2022. He won a second MotoGP crown in 2023, again for Ducati.<\/p>\n<p>It marked Italy\u2019s first back-to-back MotoGP title since Rossi in 2008 and 2009, while the first for an Italian rider on Italian machinery since Agostini.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Italy is a country synonymous with MotoGP, with seven riders winning the premier class world title since its inception in 1949.<\/p>\n<p>The modern MotoGP World Championship, as we know it today, began in 1949 at the Isle of Man TT, which ran as the British Grand Prix until 1976.<\/p>\n<p>The first two decades of grand prix world championship racing saw Italian brands Gilera and MV Agusta dominate, while Giacomo Agostini carved himself into the history books as an eight-time MotoGP title winner.<\/p>\n<p>However, only three riders in MotoGP history from Italy have won back-to-back titles: Agostini, Valentino Rossi and Pecco Bagnaia.<\/p>\n<p>Rossi is perhaps the most iconic of Italy\u2019s world champions, with the flamboyant Italian growing MotoGP\u2019s popularity through the 2000s and elevating himself as the greatest of all time for so many.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Since 1949, seven Italian riders have won a premier class world title, with only the United States matching this tally.<\/p>\n<p>In 2026, Aprilia\u2019s Marco Bezzecchi will be gunning to be the eighth, as well as the first since Agostini to do so for an Italian manufacturer.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-6ceff0a16c9f2c31f901cca142e6a63087698d77dad5a9c41f802219f23fc204\">  Acosta could \u201crejuvenate\u201d Marc Marquez like Rossi vs Lorenzo   Ducati takes inspiration from rivals in rear aero battle <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Below is the full list of riders Bezzecchi hopes to emulate this season.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Umberto Masetti &#8211; 1950 and 1952<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Gilera<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s first MotoGP world title came in the second year of the world championship in 1950 courtesy of Umberto Masetti.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-80b418090def85e83528fc64caf6059784b19bad1d19be7f27288c0a13b6c2d3\">  The biggest winners and losers from MotoGP 2026&#8217;s first three rounds   Martin, Bagnaia in-car MotoGP chat: Ducati \u201clost something\u201d, Aprilia \u201cimproved braking\u201d <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>From Borgo delle Rose, in the province of Parma, Masetti won twice in 1950 to claim a first premier class title, doing so for Gilera. In 1952, a further two victories &#8211; again in Belgium and the Netherlands &#8211; helped him to a second MotoGP crown.<\/p>\n<p>Masetti continued racing through to 1958, switching to MV Agusta in 1955, finishing third in the standings that year after winning the Nations Grand Prix at Monza.<\/p>\n<p>He claimed a final podium at the 1958 Nations Grand Prix before retiring from racing.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Libero Liberati &#8211; 1957<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Gilera<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s second MotoGP championship winner was crowned in 1957, when the Terni-born Libero Liberati took a Gilera to title success.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Winning the Italian championship in 1948, Liberati scored a first MotoGP podium in 1953 with Gilera at the Nations Grand Prix in third. A second-place followed in 1955 in France.<\/p>\n<p>In 1957, racing for Gilera in the 350cc and 500cc categories, Liberati had a banner year. He finished runner-up in the 350cc standings, while four wins in the 500cc class netted him the championship.<\/p>\n<p>Liberati was tragically killed in an incident in 1962, aged 35.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527720_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Giacomo Agostini, MV Agusta, 1973<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Giacomo Agostini &#8211; 1966-1972, 1975<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>MV Agusta, Yamaha<\/strong><\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Perhaps the most famous name on this list, save for one other, Giacomo Agostini is a bona fide MotoGP legend.<\/p>\n<p>Making his debut in grand prix racing in 1963, it would be the switch to MV Agusta from 1965 that would set Agostini on his path to MotoGP greatness.<\/p>\n<p>His first world title came in 1966 in the MotoGP class, with Agostini &#8211; in an era where MV Agusta had little competition &#8211; utterly peerless between 1968 and 1970, winning every race he entered in the 350cc and 500cc classes.<\/p>\n<p>He scored MotoGP titles in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972 consecutively, as well as 350cc titles from 1968 to 1974.<\/p>\n<p>In 1974, he moved from MV Agusta to Yamaha, winning the 350cc title that year, while a final MotoGP crown came in 1975 with the Japanese brand. That marked the first title success for a two-stroke bike in the premier class, Yamaha\u2019s first and the first for a Japanese brand in the top class.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>In total, Agostini won 15 world titles across the 350cc and 500cc classes, while his tally of eight MotoGP championships remains unbeaten as of the end of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_291728_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Marco Lucchinelli, Suzuki, 1981<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Marco Lucchinelli &#8211; 1981<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Suzuki<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The era of Italian manufacturer dominance in MotoGP had well and truly ended by the 1981 season, with Yamaha and Suzuki emerging as the best machinery in the previous years. But Italian riders remained frontrunners.<\/p>\n<p>Italy put a brief pause on the growing US-born rider threat in 1981, following back-to-back titles for Kenny Roberts and Yamaha between 1978 and 1980.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Marco Lucchinelli made his grand prix debut in 1975, joining Suzuki in the premier class in 1976. A first win came in 1980 in Germany, acting as a precursor to his best MotoGP season in 1981.<\/p>\n<p>Remaining with Suzuki, Lucchinelli won five times to claim the world title over fellow Suzuki rider Randy Mamola. Lucchinelli\u2019s career tailed off in 1982 after moving to Honda, with the Italian scoring just two more podiums in two years with HRC, before making an unsuccessful switch to Cagiva between 1984 and 1986.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_527697_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Franco Uncini, Suzuki, 1982<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Franco Uncini &#8211; 1982<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Suzuki<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A year on from celebrating its first world champion since Agostini in 1975, Italy welcomed another in 1982.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Franco Uncini enjoyed strong results as a privateer in the late 1970s into the 1980s, before Suzuki offered him a factory-spec bike for the 1982 campaign, replacing 1981 world champion Lucchinelli.<\/p>\n<p>Uncini\u2019s path to the world title followed a similar pattern to Lucchinelli\u2019s, with the Italian winning five times on his way to the crown. This would prove to be the height of Uncini\u2019s career.<\/p>\n<p>He suffered a serious incident at the Dutch TT in 1983 and ultimately retired at the end of the 1985 campaign. He later joined the FIM in prominent roles, including safety officer.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-02\/gng_2499_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Valentino Rossi, Suzuka 2002<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold &amp; Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Valentino Rossi &#8211; 2001-2005, 2008-2009<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Honda, Yamaha<\/strong><\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Uncini\u2019s world championship in 1982 would be the last for an Italian rider until 2001. Valentino Rossi had blazed a trail through the 125cc and 250cc ranks, winning the title in 1997 and 1999, before stepping up to MotoGP in 2000 with Honda.<\/p>\n<p>Winning in his debut season, Rossi\u2019s reign of dominance began in 2001 when he won his first MotoGP title. As MotoGP shifted into its four-stroke era in 2002, Rossi and Honda dominated the following two campaigns.<\/p>\n<p>Growing unhappy with life at Honda, Rossi made a shock move to Yamaha for 2004, who hadn\u2019t won a title since 1992. He duly dominated on the YZR-M1 that year, and did so again in 2005 to secure a fifth premier class title.<\/p>\n<p>He suffered a narrow defeat to Nicky Hayden in 2006, while Casey Stoner and Ducati dominated in 2007. However, facing growing competition from younger riders, Rossi bounced back in 2008 to win a sixth world title, before claiming a seventh in 2009.<\/p>\n<p>Only Agostini has more world titles in MotoGP than Rossi, while Spain\u2019s Marc Marquez matched Rossi\u2019s tally of seven only in 2025.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Rossi continued racing until the end of the 2021 season before making a full-time switch to car racing.<\/p>\n<p>Serving stints with Honda, Yamaha, Ducati and then Yamaha again, Rossi won 89 times in MotoGP, scored 199 points and elevated MotoGP to a new position of popularity through much of the 21st Century.<\/p>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-07\/gng_1247985_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Pecco Bagnaia, Ducati Corse, 2025 Czech MotoGP<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Pecco Bagnaia &#8211; 2022-2023<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Ducati<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s declining form in grand prix racing following Rossi\u2019s final MotoGP title in 2009 led to him forming the VR46 Riders Academy in 2014 to nurture young talent from his homeland.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Pecco Bagnaia represents that programme&#8217;s most successful graduate. Racing for Rossi\u2019s team in Moto2 in 2018, Bagnaia won the intermediate class crown before stepping up to MotoGP in 2019 with the Ducati-backed Pramac squad.<\/p>\n<p>Bagnaia would win for the first time in 2021 following a move to Ducati\u2019s factory team, before claiming his first world title &#8211; and ending Ducati\u2019s drought dating back to 2007 &#8211; in 2022. He won a second MotoGP crown in 2023, again for Ducati.<\/p>\n<p>It marked Italy\u2019s first back-to-back MotoGP title since Rossi in 2008 and 2009, while the first for an Italian rider on Italian machinery since Agostini.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/news\/1092938\/1\/all-italys-motogp-world-champions&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2025-08\/gng_205541_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] All of Italy\u2019s MotoGP world champions The 2026 MotoGP season could see Italy celebrate its eighth premier class world champion since 1949 Lewis Duncan 11 Apr 2026 Share Valentino Rossi, MotoGP 2008 \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose Add as a preferred source Italy is a country synonymous with MotoGP, with seven riders winning the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1878202","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1878202","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1878202"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1878202\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1878202"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1878202"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1878202"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}